Psychopathologizing Psychic Phenomena

This is an enlightening conversation for those who are concerned about sharing psychic, intuitive, or paranormal experiences.

Dr. Paul J. Leslie shares that the norm may be that most people, including mental health practitioners, have psychic and paranormal experiences. However, people often don’t share their experiences for fear of being thought of as crazy or diagnosed with a mental health disorder. He differentiates between what may be a psychic experience or a pathology. If the experience is comforting or helpful, it is usually not a pathology. If the experience is distressing or negatively impacts their life, it may need closer attention and care. Being believed about their experience can, in and of itself, be healing. Not being believed can have detrimental effects. He encourages mental health practitioners to be aware of their biases and judgments that impact their clients’ health and well-being. Mental health practitioners want more education and training about these experiences to be better equipped to help their clients. All people are worthy of love, dignity, and respect.